Sinaloa Cartel Members Arrested in Cross-Border Raid

Two dozen members of the Sinaloa drug cartel were arrested in a joint raid by the U.S. and Mexico in the border towns of Lukeville, Arizona, and Sonoyta, Sonora, on Friday.

"Due to the sensitive nature, this operation was conducted with utmost secrecy to maintain the element of surprise and to ensure the safety of the Mexican law enforcement officers executing it," Gillian Christensen, a spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said in a statement late Saturday, according to Reuters.

Reuters reported that 22 high-level cartel members were arrested, while two were killed during the raid after they opened fire on officials.

Christensen said that Mexican law enforcement agents were brought into the country to assist with the raid, and that those arrested are in their custody. The U.S. will seek their extradition.

"The targeted Sinaloa cell has been responsible for the importation of millions of pounds of illegal drugs, including marijuana, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, into the United States from Mexico during its existence. The organization is also responsible for the smuggling of millions of dollars in U.S. currency, along with weapons, into Mexico," she said.

The arrests come less than a month since drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was re-captured following his escape from prison.

The AP reported that the DEA, FBI, Customs and Border Protection, and Arizona state and local agencies were on hand to assist with the sting.